Reliance Specialty Products wants to let you know about regulatory changes that are happening with n-Propyl Bromide and how we can help if you decide you want to switch-out of nPB or improve your cleaning equipment.
nPB is REGULATED under NESHAP, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants by the US EPA and is now considered a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP).
Unexpectedly, on January 5th, 2022, n Propyl Bromide became a HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutant) regulated under NESHAP. The specifics of how it will be regulated under NESHAP will be provided by the US EPA at some time in the future.
As a side note:
No solvents have otherwise been added to NESHAP since it was originally enacted in the late 1990's - so no one knows what the requirements will be or what the timeframe for issuance is. However, we anticipate that the use requirements will be similar to TCE, PERC and Methylene Chloride that were part of that early regulation.
Implications of NESHAP Regulation of nPB
First, there are Air Permitting and State Reporting Impacts
nPB was formerly only a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), but not a HAP under NESHAP. Therefore, the type of operating permit you currently have is likely a simple air-operating permit for VOC emission. If you decide to stay with n Propyl Bromide, you will need to switch-over to a HAP operating permit.
Permits are issued by each state and each state's permitting rules vary. For a HAP, there are typically small emitter permits and large emitter permits known as Title 5 permits.
The HAP permits typically are more expensive and require periodic reporting to establish compliance with the HAP requirements and report the amount of HAP's emitted. HAP permits also require more comprehensive vapor degreaser containment features and operating procedures. As mentioned earlier, specific requirements under the NESHAP regulations for nPB are not yet issued.
Also, each state's DEQ, Department of Environmental Quality, will need to address the re-permitting and final reporting requirements for nPB now that it is a HAP.
The second implication of NESHAP is Shipping Classification Impacts
nPB is currently not regulated for shipment. However, it is likely to be classified by the DOT as hazardous for shipment at some point and treated in the same manner as TCE, MC & PERC. Our understanding is that this will occur as a separate action by the DOT (Department of Transportation).
The third implication of NESHAP classification is Waste Disposal Impacts
Currently, nPB is not a RCRA hazardous waste for disposal. RCRA is the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. However, we anticipate in a similar manner to the other NESHAP solvents, n Propyl Bromide will likely be classified as a RCRA hazardous waste for disposal.
The bottom line is YOU CAN STILL USE NPB EVEN THOUGH IT IS NESHAP REGULATED
You can continue use nPB. Companies have been using TCE, PERC and MC under NESHAP for 25 years. And NESHAP in and of itself does not preclude continued use, it is just more involved.
Immediately, the main issue with nPB is your state air permitting (as discussed earlier). Since each state handles its own air VOC, HAP permitting, you will need to check with your state for their immediate requirements for re-permitting of nPB.
TSCA 6A - UPCOMING ADDITIONAL REGULATION OF nPB, TCE, PERC AND MC
The regulation of nPB, TCE, PERC and MC is underway under TSCA 6A, the Toxic Substances Control Act. This regulation gives the US EPA broad authority to regulate - and is capable of resulting in a phase-out or ban of n propyl bromide or any of the other solvents they are considering. A ban, if it occurs, would likely have a phase-out period.
TCE a couple of years ago was proposed banned for vapor degreasing. The USEPA Proposal was 18 months for phase out of manufacturing and a 36 month phase out for use. Thus, there was a 3-year period. The earlier proposal for TCE was withdrawn and is now again going through the process under TSCA 6 A along with nPB, PERC and MC.
Proposed regulations under TSCA 6A for nPB, TCE, PERC and Methylene Chloride are expected to be issued this year 2022.
Conclusion
There is no immediate need to move out of nPB, but you may need to change permitting immediately or when your State otherwise requires it. You will need to comply with the HAP permit reporting. The TSCA 6A is still in process and what the regulation of nPB will be under that regulation or if a phase out is part of it is unknown.
Here is how Reliance Can Help:
First, we can help you switch into AeroTron™-100, a safer solvent, as we have done for many of our current nPB customers. AeroTron™-100 is the next generation solvent that is a direct, drop-in replacement for nPB.
Next, Reliance can also help you with assessing your current vapor degreaser and recommending upgrades or modifications.
Please give us a call at 847.640.8923 or Contact Us for additional information.
Reliance takes a comprehensive approach to helping you assess your situation and your options.
We look forward to working with you.
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| Regulatory | AeroTron™-100 | nPB |
|---|---|---|
| NESHAP Reporting | Not Required | Required |
| Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Reporting | None - Not Required | Required |
| IARC Cancer Classification | None - Not Listed | Suspected |
| Manufacturer's Workplace Exposure Guidelines | 150 ppm - 8 hour TWA | 10 ppm - 8 hour TWA |
| RCRA | NON-Hazardous Waste | NON-Hazardous Waste |
| Department of Transportation (DOT) | NOT Regulated | NOT Regulated |
| Title V Permit | NOT Required | NOT Required |
| OSHA HAZCOM Record Keeping/Reporting | NOT Required | Hazard Warning Required |
| Prop 65, CA | Yes | Yes |
| Clean Water Act | NOT Regulated | NOT Regulated |
| VOC | Yes, but variable | Yes, 100% |
| US-EPA SNAP Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Plastic | AeroTron™-100 Resistance | Plastic | AeroTron™-100 Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| POM | Excellent | HDPE | Excellent |
| ABS | Poor | PEI | Excellent |
| CPVC | Fair | PPO | Poor |
| ETFE | Excellent | PP | Fair |
| NYL | Excellent | PS | Poor |
| PBT | Excellent | PSU | Poor |
| PEEK | Excellent | PVC | Poor |
| PVDF | Excellent | PU | Fair |
| PC | Fair | PTFE | Excellent |
METHODS MIL.T-81533A 4.4.9 and TMO193-2000
| Metal | AeroTron™-100 Compatible | Metal | AeroTron™-100 Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 1050 | Yes | Mild Steel | Yes |
| Al-Bronze 614 | Yes | Carbon Steel | Yes |
| Copper | Yes | Stainless 303 | Yes |
| Naval Brass 464 | Yes | Stainless 316 | Yes |
| Tin-Bronze 903 | Yes | Stainless 330 | Yes |
| Tin | Yes | Tungsten-Carbide | Yes |
| Hastalloy-B | Yes | 5 Sn/95 Pb | Yes |
| Inconel 600 | Yes | 70 Sn/30 Pb | Yes |
| Nickel | Yes | Titanium 5-2.5 | Yes |
| Zinc | Yes | Silver Solder B AG8 | Yes |
| Lead | Yes | Silver | Yes |
| Magnesium | Yes | Gold | Yes |
Use AeroTron™-100 vapor degreasing solvent as an nPB alternative for the removal of greases, oils, silicone, masking waxes, masking lacquers, NDT dye penetrants, drawing lubricants, coolant residues and adhesives. Also ultrasonic vapor degreasing for removal of metal fines, polishing abrasives and blasting media.
AeroTron™-100 easily removes flux and flux residues, polar and non-polar contamination, and cleans electrical assemblies and fingerprints as effectively as nPB.
Cleaning of potting and masking waxes and fingerprints.
Cleaning prior to coating, welding, brazing, or adhesive bonding.
Use AeroTron™-100 to replace n propyl bromide for vapor degreasing, ultrasonic cleaning and cold wipe cleaning processes to achieve near residue free surface cleanliness prior to plating, painting, physical vapor deposition (PVD) or robotic welding, vacuum brazing, or adhesive bonding of metal parts.
Reliance manufactures a comprehensive vapor degreasing offering: The ULTRA™ state-of-the-art vapor degreaser system and AeroTron™-100 Solvents.
| Performance Properties | AeroTron™-100 | nPB |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 116° F / 47° C | 160° F / 71° C |
| Flash Point, by ASTM D93-TCC | None | None |
| Evaporation Rate | Quickly & Completely | Quickly |
| Azeotropic Composition | Yes | Yes |
| Broad Metal Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Hydrolysis | Highly Stable | Not stable-requires stabilizers |
| Distillable | Yes | Yes |
| Kauri Butanol Value | 93 | 130 |
| Non-Volatile Residue | < 10 ppm | < 10 ppm |
| Odor | Very Mild | Strong |
Essentially:
Because AeroTron™-100 is non-flammable, it is suitable for use in any asphalt extraction process. It is very fast acting and removes the bitumen / tar easily from samples. AeroTron™-100 can be used as a direct nPB replacement in asphalt extractions.
As part of our comprehensive solvent support, Reliance Specialty Products provides a free to use AeroTron™-100 spent solvent waste disposal program. This program ensures your solvent is disposed of properly and ensures a responsible end to your solvent usage.
Contact Us for additional information.
Reliance Specialty Products is the world-class leading manufacturer of both vapor degreasing equipment and vapor degreasing solvents. At Reliance, we take a comprehensive, systemic approach to solvent parts cleaning. Our vapor degreasing equipment manufacturing expertise combined with our years of working with a variety of solvent cleaning options make us able to support our customers in a variety of practical ways. We are here to help you easily switch over to AeroTron™-100 and support your transition into an effective solvent that is better for your company, your people and the environment.
